Erika Campos - Academia.edu (original) (raw)

Papers by Erika Campos

Research paper thumbnail of Anti-HLA class II antibodies and chronic allograft nephropathy

Clinical transplants

The purpose of this study was to prospectively analyze the relationship between posttransplant Ig... more The purpose of this study was to prospectively analyze the relationship between posttransplant IgG anti-HLA class I and/or class II antibodies and graft failure due to chronic allograft nephropathy (CAN). We studied 512 first kidney graft recipients transplanted at a single center, with a graft functioning for at least 3 years. A single blood sample was collected from each patient, and the presence of antibodies was evaluated by PRA-ELISA. The median post-transplant time after blood collection was 4.4 years and did not differ between patients with or without anti-HLA antibodies. Among the 512 recipients, 55 (10.7%)were positive for anti-HLA class II, 20 (3.9%) for anti-HLAclass I, and 16 (3.1%) for anti-HLA class I and class II antibodies. After antibody evaluation, the patients were followed for at least 34 months. Anti-HLA class II antibodies and serum creatinine levels > or = 2 mg/dl at the time of antibody testing were independently associated with graft loss due to CAN, with relative risks (RR) of 3.29 and 13.82, respectively. When both factors were present, the RR rose to 36.07. In graft biopsies with CAN, the lesions believed to be mediated by antibodies (chronic glomerulopathy, arteriosclerosis, and lamination of the peritubular capillaries basement membrane) were more prevalent in biopsies with CAN from patients with anti-HLA class II antibodies. In conclusion, our data support not only an association but also a pathogenic role of anti-HLA class II antibodies in approximately 40% of chronic allograft cases.

Research paper thumbnail of BLOOD TLR-4 AND MYD88 MRNA LEVELS ARE ASSOCIATED WITH DELAYED GRAFT FUNCTION AFTER DECEASED DONOR KIDNEY TRANSPLANTATION

Transplantation Journal, 2010

Research paper thumbnail of Post-transplant soluble CD30 levels are associated with early subclinical rejection in kidney transplantation

Transplant Immunology, 2015

Several studies have shown association of high pre- or post-transplant levels of soluble CD30 (sC... more Several studies have shown association of high pre- or post-transplant levels of soluble CD30 (sCD30) with acute rejection and poor late kidney transplant outcome. Our goal was to investigate whether sCD30 levels at month-3 post-transplant are associated with subclinical rejection, presence of CD30(+) cells within the graft, and expression of immune response genes in peripheral blood mononuclear cells. The study comprised 118 adult first kidney graft recipients, transplanted at a single center, receiving tacrolimus in low concentration. All were submitted to a protocol biopsy at month-3. Subclinical rejection was identified in 10 biopsies and sCD30 levels≥61.88ng/mL (P=0.004), younger recipient age (P=0.030) and non-Caucasian ethnicity (P=0.011) were independently associated with this outcome. Rare CD30(+) cells were present in only two biopsies. There was a correlation between sCD30 levels and CD30 gene expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (r=0.385, P=0.043). These results show that high sCD30 levels are independent predictors of graft dysfunction and may contribute to patient selection protocols by indicating those who could benefit from a more thorough evaluation.

Research paper thumbnail of Post-Transplant Anti-MICA Antibodies and Kidney Graft Outcome

Transplantation Journal, 2012

Research paper thumbnail of TLR4 mRNA Levels as Tools to Estimate Risk for Early Posttransplantation Kidney Graft Dysfunction

Transplantation Journal, 2012

The participation of Toll-like receptor (TLR) 4, an innate immunity receptor, has been previously... more The participation of Toll-like receptor (TLR) 4, an innate immunity receptor, has been previously demonstrated in the pathogenesis of acute renal injury. We aimed to investigate whether messenger RNA (mRNA) levels of TLR4 and its adapter molecule, myeloid differentiation primary response gene (MYD) 88, are associated with delayed graft function (DGF) and could be used as biomarkers of its occurrence. TLR4 and MYD88 gene mRNA levels were evaluated with real-time polymerase chain reaction, in preimplantation biopsies (n=89) and first day posttransplantation samples of urine (n=67) and blood (n=80) from graft recipients and analyzed according to donor type (living or deceased) and DGF occurrence. Expression levels of both genes were higher in biopsies from deceased donors than from living donors (P<0.001 for both) but did not differ between deceased-donor kidney transplants with and without DGF; in urine, TLR4 expression levels were higher in patients with prolonged DGF (DGF lasting >14 days) (P=0.05, compared with cases without DGF); in blood, lower mRNA levels of TLR4 and MYD88 predicted pDGF occurrence with an accuracy of 86% and 87%, respectively. The expression levels of TLR4 and MYD88 were higher in kidneys from deceased donors than from living donors. Lower levels of expression of both genes in blood were associated with DGF occurrence. The prediction of prolonged DGF by low TLR4 and MYD88 expression levels in blood with a greater the 85% accuracy was the most important finding of this study.

Research paper thumbnail of OR46

Research paper thumbnail of Investigation of Apoptosis-Related Gene Expression Levels in Preimplantation Biopsies as Predictors of Delayed Kidney Graft Function

Transplantation, 2014

The purpose of this study was to investigate the expression of the gene coding for the antiapopto... more The purpose of this study was to investigate the expression of the gene coding for the antiapoptotic molecule Bcl-2, the proapoptotic molecule Bax, and the apoptosis executor enzyme caspase-3 in preimplantation renal biopsies (PIB) as markers for delayed graft function. In this prospective single-center study, gene expression levels were evaluated using real-time TaqMan polymerase chain reaction in PIB of kidneys from 72 deceased donors (DDs) and 18 living donors (LDs). CASP3 and BAX expression levels were higher, whereas those of BCL2 were lower, in DD than in LD PIB. In biopsies from DD, BCL2 levels were lower in cases with DGF, whereas no differences were observed concerning CASP3 and BAX. The BAX/BCL2 gene expression ratio greater than 2.29 associated with DGF with an odds ratio of 2.00. A multiple regression analysis including data of TLR4 expression in the first day posttransplant PB from a previous study of our group conducted in the same patients revealed a very strong association of the combination of BAX/BCL2 greater than 2.3 in PIB and TLR4 of 0.95 uRE or lesser in PB with the occurrence of DGF, with OR of 120 and positive and negative predictive values of 91% and 92%, respectively. The power to predict DGF of the combination of high BAX/BCL2 expression in PIB and low TLR4 expression in the first day posttransplant peripheral blood observed in the present study is extremely high, in comparison to any other marker or combinations of markers so far published in the literature.

Research paper thumbnail of High Incidence of Subclinical Acute Rejection in Low Risk Kidney Transplant Recipients on Tacrolimus- Based Immunosuppressive Regime

Transplantation Journal, 2012

Research paper thumbnail of High Soluble CD30 Serum Levels Are Associated with Inflammatory Infiltrate in Renal Graft Protocol Biopsies and Predict Dysfunction of the Graft

Transplantation Journal, 2012

Research paper thumbnail of Peculiar Reactivity in Luminex HLA Class II Single Antigen Assay Particularly Frequent in Patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Transplantation Journal, 2012

Research paper thumbnail of RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN ANTI-HLA ANTIBODIES AND LATE RENAL ALLOGRAFT OUTCOME

Transplantation Journal, 2004

Research paper thumbnail of Failure to Up-Regulate BCL2 Gene Expression in Deceased Donors Kidneys Associated with Occurrence of Delayed Graft Function

Transplantation Journal, 2012

Research paper thumbnail of Association of high post-transplant soluble CD30 serum levels with chronic allograft nephropathy

Transplant Immunology, 2013

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the association of post-transplant soluble CD30 (sCD30)... more The purpose of this study was to evaluate the association of post-transplant soluble CD30 (sCD30) levels, isolated or in combination with of anti-HLA class II antibodies and of serum creatinine levels, with kidney graft loss due to chronic allograft nephropathy (CAN), and type of lesions in graft biopsies for cause. The study comprised 511 first kidney graft recipients, transplanted at a single center, with a graft functioning for at least 2.8 years. A single blood sample was collected from each patient. sCD30 levels were determined by ELISA, and HLA antibodies by Luminex assay. The minimum follow-up after testing was 9.3 years. High sCD30 levels, set at sCD30 ≥ 34.15 ng/mL, the presence of HLA class II antibodies, and serum creatinine ≥ 1.9 mg/dL were independently associated with CAN-graft loss (P values <0.0001, 0.05, <0.0001, respectively), and the combined hazard ratio for CAN-graft loss was 20.2. Analyses of 166 biopsies for cause showed that high sCD30 levels and creatinine were independently associated with interstitial lesions. Post-transplant sCD30 serum levels, especially in conjunction with information regarding HLA class II antibodies and serum creatinine levels, provide valuable information regarding graft outcome and could be useful for the management of kidney transplant recipients.

Research paper thumbnail of Algorithms for the determination of unacceptable HLA antigen mismatches in kidney transplant recipients

Tissue Antigens, 2013

One of the major tasks of human leukocyte antigen (HLA) laboratories is the pretransplant determi... more One of the major tasks of human leukocyte antigen (HLA) laboratories is the pretransplant determination of unacceptable HLA antigen mismatches (UAM) in organ transplant recipients. HLA antigen specificities are determined against which the patient has circulating alloantibodies that are expected to harm the transplanted organ. Using the information on UAM, negative crossmatch (XM) prediction or 'virtual XM' is possible when a potential donor's complete HLA typing is available. Before the introduction of solid-phase antibody detection assays, UAM were determined using the complement-dependent cytotoxicity methodology. After the introduction of the single antigen bead technique, however, various UAM determination algorithms have emerged. In this report, six different laboratories worldwide present how they determine UAM in their collective of kidney transplant recipients in the pretransplant phase and proceed thereafter to transplantation.

Research paper thumbnail of Minor H antigen matches and mismatches are equally distributed among recipients with or without complications after HLA identical sibling renal transplantation

Tissue Antigens, 2013

Studies of the effect of minor H antigen mismatching on the outcome of renal transplantation are ... more Studies of the effect of minor H antigen mismatching on the outcome of renal transplantation are scarce and concern mainly single center studies. The International Histocompatibility and Immunogenetics Workshops (IHIW) provide a collaborative platform to execute crucial large studies. In collaboration with 16 laboratories of the IHIW, the role of 15 autosomal, 10 Y-chromosome encoded minor H antigens and 3 CD31 polymorphisms, was investigated in relation to the incidence of renal graft rejection and graft loss in 444 human leukocyte antigens (HLA)-identical sibling renal transplantations. Recipient and donor DNA samples were genotyped for the minor H antigens HA-1, HA-2, HA-3, HA-8, HB-1, ACC-1, ACC-2, SP110, PANE1, UGT2B17, C19Orf48, LB-ECGF-1, CTSH, LRH-1, LB-ADIR and HY. The correlation between minor H antigen mismatch and the primary outcome graft rejection or graft loss was statistically analyzed. The incidence of rejection was very low and no correlation was observed between one or more minor H antigen mismatch(es) and a rejection episode (n = 36), of which only eight resulted in graft loss. In summary, in our study cohort of 444 renal transplants, mismatching for neither autosomal nor HY minor H antigens correlate with rejection episodes or with graft loss.

Research paper thumbnail of HLA Class II Alleles and Chronic Hepatitis C Virus Infection

Scandinavian Journal of Immunology, 2011

The aim of this study was to investigate association of human leucocyte antigens (HLA)-DRB1 and D... more The aim of this study was to investigate association of human leucocyte antigens (HLA)-DRB1 and DQB1 polymorphisms with hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and with the occurrence of severe liver fibrosis ⁄ cirrhosis in chronically infected patients. Ninety-nine white patients, from southeast Brazil, with confirmed HCV chronic infection were included in the study. Severe fibrosis ⁄ cirrhosis (METAVIR scores F3-F4) was present in 49 patients. HLA-DRB1 specificities and DRB1*11 and DQB1* alleles were determined by PCR-SSP, and their frequencies were compared between patients and a control group of 103 healthy white Brazilian individuals. The results confirmed previous reports of the association of DRB1*11 and DQB1*03 with protection from chronic HCV infection, but did not confirm their association with protection from severe fibrosis ⁄ cirrhosis. Furthermore, the results suggested that the polymorphic sites on HLA molecules responsible for protection from chronic HCV infection are encoded not only by the DRB1*1101 and DQB1*0301, as suggested in the literature, but also by other DRB1*11 and DQB1*03 alleles. Thus, we hypothesized that the common polymorphic residues shared by different DRB1*11 and ⁄ or DQB1*03 alleles might be responsible for selection of viral epitopes for presentation to CD4 + T cells, leading to an efficient immune response against the virus.

Research paper thumbnail of 81-P: Post-transplant anti-MICA antibodies and long-term kidney allograft survival

Human Immunology, 2009

Aim: We investigated the effects of intact and denatured (␤2m-free HC) HLA class I specific antib... more Aim: We investigated the effects of intact and denatured (␤2m-free HC) HLA class I specific antibodies on long-term graft survival.

Research paper thumbnail of 9-OR Association of high soluble CD30 serum levels with kidney subclinical acute rejection

Human Immunology, 2011

4 Brazil. Aim: Subclinical rejection (SCR) is not rare and negatively impacts kidney graft surviv... more 4 Brazil. Aim: Subclinical rejection (SCR) is not rare and negatively impacts kidney graft survival. Despite low risk of PBx nowadays, its implementation for all recipients (R) may be cost-prohibitive, and thus there is interest in finding blood markers associated with SCR. Considering reports of association of high soluble CD30 (sCD30) serum levels with acute rejection and worst graft survival, we aimed to evaluate sCD30 levels as markers of SCR in PBx performed 3 months after kidney transplantation (Tx).

Research paper thumbnail of 81-P Evaluation of TLR4 mRNA blood levels and TLR4 genotypes as tools to estimate risk of delayed graft function

Human Immunology, 2011

Aim: To explore the value of color doppler ultrasonography for renal pyramids in the monitoring o... more Aim: To explore the value of color doppler ultrasonography for renal pyramids in the monitoring of acute renal graft rejection at the early stage.

Research paper thumbnail of 66-P Antibodies as defined by the x-Map technology, antibody-mediated rejection and survival of the kidney allograft

Human Immunology, 2011

Aim: Accurate and meaningful interpretation of the results of Luminex-based antibody detection as... more Aim: Accurate and meaningful interpretation of the results of Luminex-based antibody detection assays requires careful monitoring of some serum factors that may interfere with the results. Here we report the effect of storage, DTT treatment and heating of sera on the strength of the reactions.

Research paper thumbnail of Anti-HLA class II antibodies and chronic allograft nephropathy

Clinical transplants

The purpose of this study was to prospectively analyze the relationship between posttransplant Ig... more The purpose of this study was to prospectively analyze the relationship between posttransplant IgG anti-HLA class I and/or class II antibodies and graft failure due to chronic allograft nephropathy (CAN). We studied 512 first kidney graft recipients transplanted at a single center, with a graft functioning for at least 3 years. A single blood sample was collected from each patient, and the presence of antibodies was evaluated by PRA-ELISA. The median post-transplant time after blood collection was 4.4 years and did not differ between patients with or without anti-HLA antibodies. Among the 512 recipients, 55 (10.7%)were positive for anti-HLA class II, 20 (3.9%) for anti-HLAclass I, and 16 (3.1%) for anti-HLA class I and class II antibodies. After antibody evaluation, the patients were followed for at least 34 months. Anti-HLA class II antibodies and serum creatinine levels > or = 2 mg/dl at the time of antibody testing were independently associated with graft loss due to CAN, with relative risks (RR) of 3.29 and 13.82, respectively. When both factors were present, the RR rose to 36.07. In graft biopsies with CAN, the lesions believed to be mediated by antibodies (chronic glomerulopathy, arteriosclerosis, and lamination of the peritubular capillaries basement membrane) were more prevalent in biopsies with CAN from patients with anti-HLA class II antibodies. In conclusion, our data support not only an association but also a pathogenic role of anti-HLA class II antibodies in approximately 40% of chronic allograft cases.

Research paper thumbnail of BLOOD TLR-4 AND MYD88 MRNA LEVELS ARE ASSOCIATED WITH DELAYED GRAFT FUNCTION AFTER DECEASED DONOR KIDNEY TRANSPLANTATION

Transplantation Journal, 2010

Research paper thumbnail of Post-transplant soluble CD30 levels are associated with early subclinical rejection in kidney transplantation

Transplant Immunology, 2015

Several studies have shown association of high pre- or post-transplant levels of soluble CD30 (sC... more Several studies have shown association of high pre- or post-transplant levels of soluble CD30 (sCD30) with acute rejection and poor late kidney transplant outcome. Our goal was to investigate whether sCD30 levels at month-3 post-transplant are associated with subclinical rejection, presence of CD30(+) cells within the graft, and expression of immune response genes in peripheral blood mononuclear cells. The study comprised 118 adult first kidney graft recipients, transplanted at a single center, receiving tacrolimus in low concentration. All were submitted to a protocol biopsy at month-3. Subclinical rejection was identified in 10 biopsies and sCD30 levels≥61.88ng/mL (P=0.004), younger recipient age (P=0.030) and non-Caucasian ethnicity (P=0.011) were independently associated with this outcome. Rare CD30(+) cells were present in only two biopsies. There was a correlation between sCD30 levels and CD30 gene expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (r=0.385, P=0.043). These results show that high sCD30 levels are independent predictors of graft dysfunction and may contribute to patient selection protocols by indicating those who could benefit from a more thorough evaluation.

Research paper thumbnail of Post-Transplant Anti-MICA Antibodies and Kidney Graft Outcome

Transplantation Journal, 2012

Research paper thumbnail of TLR4 mRNA Levels as Tools to Estimate Risk for Early Posttransplantation Kidney Graft Dysfunction

Transplantation Journal, 2012

The participation of Toll-like receptor (TLR) 4, an innate immunity receptor, has been previously... more The participation of Toll-like receptor (TLR) 4, an innate immunity receptor, has been previously demonstrated in the pathogenesis of acute renal injury. We aimed to investigate whether messenger RNA (mRNA) levels of TLR4 and its adapter molecule, myeloid differentiation primary response gene (MYD) 88, are associated with delayed graft function (DGF) and could be used as biomarkers of its occurrence. TLR4 and MYD88 gene mRNA levels were evaluated with real-time polymerase chain reaction, in preimplantation biopsies (n=89) and first day posttransplantation samples of urine (n=67) and blood (n=80) from graft recipients and analyzed according to donor type (living or deceased) and DGF occurrence. Expression levels of both genes were higher in biopsies from deceased donors than from living donors (P<0.001 for both) but did not differ between deceased-donor kidney transplants with and without DGF; in urine, TLR4 expression levels were higher in patients with prolonged DGF (DGF lasting >14 days) (P=0.05, compared with cases without DGF); in blood, lower mRNA levels of TLR4 and MYD88 predicted pDGF occurrence with an accuracy of 86% and 87%, respectively. The expression levels of TLR4 and MYD88 were higher in kidneys from deceased donors than from living donors. Lower levels of expression of both genes in blood were associated with DGF occurrence. The prediction of prolonged DGF by low TLR4 and MYD88 expression levels in blood with a greater the 85% accuracy was the most important finding of this study.

Research paper thumbnail of OR46

Research paper thumbnail of Investigation of Apoptosis-Related Gene Expression Levels in Preimplantation Biopsies as Predictors of Delayed Kidney Graft Function

Transplantation, 2014

The purpose of this study was to investigate the expression of the gene coding for the antiapopto... more The purpose of this study was to investigate the expression of the gene coding for the antiapoptotic molecule Bcl-2, the proapoptotic molecule Bax, and the apoptosis executor enzyme caspase-3 in preimplantation renal biopsies (PIB) as markers for delayed graft function. In this prospective single-center study, gene expression levels were evaluated using real-time TaqMan polymerase chain reaction in PIB of kidneys from 72 deceased donors (DDs) and 18 living donors (LDs). CASP3 and BAX expression levels were higher, whereas those of BCL2 were lower, in DD than in LD PIB. In biopsies from DD, BCL2 levels were lower in cases with DGF, whereas no differences were observed concerning CASP3 and BAX. The BAX/BCL2 gene expression ratio greater than 2.29 associated with DGF with an odds ratio of 2.00. A multiple regression analysis including data of TLR4 expression in the first day posttransplant PB from a previous study of our group conducted in the same patients revealed a very strong association of the combination of BAX/BCL2 greater than 2.3 in PIB and TLR4 of 0.95 uRE or lesser in PB with the occurrence of DGF, with OR of 120 and positive and negative predictive values of 91% and 92%, respectively. The power to predict DGF of the combination of high BAX/BCL2 expression in PIB and low TLR4 expression in the first day posttransplant peripheral blood observed in the present study is extremely high, in comparison to any other marker or combinations of markers so far published in the literature.

Research paper thumbnail of High Incidence of Subclinical Acute Rejection in Low Risk Kidney Transplant Recipients on Tacrolimus- Based Immunosuppressive Regime

Transplantation Journal, 2012

Research paper thumbnail of High Soluble CD30 Serum Levels Are Associated with Inflammatory Infiltrate in Renal Graft Protocol Biopsies and Predict Dysfunction of the Graft

Transplantation Journal, 2012

Research paper thumbnail of Peculiar Reactivity in Luminex HLA Class II Single Antigen Assay Particularly Frequent in Patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Transplantation Journal, 2012

Research paper thumbnail of RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN ANTI-HLA ANTIBODIES AND LATE RENAL ALLOGRAFT OUTCOME

Transplantation Journal, 2004

Research paper thumbnail of Failure to Up-Regulate BCL2 Gene Expression in Deceased Donors Kidneys Associated with Occurrence of Delayed Graft Function

Transplantation Journal, 2012

Research paper thumbnail of Association of high post-transplant soluble CD30 serum levels with chronic allograft nephropathy

Transplant Immunology, 2013

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the association of post-transplant soluble CD30 (sCD30)... more The purpose of this study was to evaluate the association of post-transplant soluble CD30 (sCD30) levels, isolated or in combination with of anti-HLA class II antibodies and of serum creatinine levels, with kidney graft loss due to chronic allograft nephropathy (CAN), and type of lesions in graft biopsies for cause. The study comprised 511 first kidney graft recipients, transplanted at a single center, with a graft functioning for at least 2.8 years. A single blood sample was collected from each patient. sCD30 levels were determined by ELISA, and HLA antibodies by Luminex assay. The minimum follow-up after testing was 9.3 years. High sCD30 levels, set at sCD30 ≥ 34.15 ng/mL, the presence of HLA class II antibodies, and serum creatinine ≥ 1.9 mg/dL were independently associated with CAN-graft loss (P values <0.0001, 0.05, <0.0001, respectively), and the combined hazard ratio for CAN-graft loss was 20.2. Analyses of 166 biopsies for cause showed that high sCD30 levels and creatinine were independently associated with interstitial lesions. Post-transplant sCD30 serum levels, especially in conjunction with information regarding HLA class II antibodies and serum creatinine levels, provide valuable information regarding graft outcome and could be useful for the management of kidney transplant recipients.

Research paper thumbnail of Algorithms for the determination of unacceptable HLA antigen mismatches in kidney transplant recipients

Tissue Antigens, 2013

One of the major tasks of human leukocyte antigen (HLA) laboratories is the pretransplant determi... more One of the major tasks of human leukocyte antigen (HLA) laboratories is the pretransplant determination of unacceptable HLA antigen mismatches (UAM) in organ transplant recipients. HLA antigen specificities are determined against which the patient has circulating alloantibodies that are expected to harm the transplanted organ. Using the information on UAM, negative crossmatch (XM) prediction or 'virtual XM' is possible when a potential donor's complete HLA typing is available. Before the introduction of solid-phase antibody detection assays, UAM were determined using the complement-dependent cytotoxicity methodology. After the introduction of the single antigen bead technique, however, various UAM determination algorithms have emerged. In this report, six different laboratories worldwide present how they determine UAM in their collective of kidney transplant recipients in the pretransplant phase and proceed thereafter to transplantation.

Research paper thumbnail of Minor H antigen matches and mismatches are equally distributed among recipients with or without complications after HLA identical sibling renal transplantation

Tissue Antigens, 2013

Studies of the effect of minor H antigen mismatching on the outcome of renal transplantation are ... more Studies of the effect of minor H antigen mismatching on the outcome of renal transplantation are scarce and concern mainly single center studies. The International Histocompatibility and Immunogenetics Workshops (IHIW) provide a collaborative platform to execute crucial large studies. In collaboration with 16 laboratories of the IHIW, the role of 15 autosomal, 10 Y-chromosome encoded minor H antigens and 3 CD31 polymorphisms, was investigated in relation to the incidence of renal graft rejection and graft loss in 444 human leukocyte antigens (HLA)-identical sibling renal transplantations. Recipient and donor DNA samples were genotyped for the minor H antigens HA-1, HA-2, HA-3, HA-8, HB-1, ACC-1, ACC-2, SP110, PANE1, UGT2B17, C19Orf48, LB-ECGF-1, CTSH, LRH-1, LB-ADIR and HY. The correlation between minor H antigen mismatch and the primary outcome graft rejection or graft loss was statistically analyzed. The incidence of rejection was very low and no correlation was observed between one or more minor H antigen mismatch(es) and a rejection episode (n = 36), of which only eight resulted in graft loss. In summary, in our study cohort of 444 renal transplants, mismatching for neither autosomal nor HY minor H antigens correlate with rejection episodes or with graft loss.

Research paper thumbnail of HLA Class II Alleles and Chronic Hepatitis C Virus Infection

Scandinavian Journal of Immunology, 2011

The aim of this study was to investigate association of human leucocyte antigens (HLA)-DRB1 and D... more The aim of this study was to investigate association of human leucocyte antigens (HLA)-DRB1 and DQB1 polymorphisms with hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and with the occurrence of severe liver fibrosis ⁄ cirrhosis in chronically infected patients. Ninety-nine white patients, from southeast Brazil, with confirmed HCV chronic infection were included in the study. Severe fibrosis ⁄ cirrhosis (METAVIR scores F3-F4) was present in 49 patients. HLA-DRB1 specificities and DRB1*11 and DQB1* alleles were determined by PCR-SSP, and their frequencies were compared between patients and a control group of 103 healthy white Brazilian individuals. The results confirmed previous reports of the association of DRB1*11 and DQB1*03 with protection from chronic HCV infection, but did not confirm their association with protection from severe fibrosis ⁄ cirrhosis. Furthermore, the results suggested that the polymorphic sites on HLA molecules responsible for protection from chronic HCV infection are encoded not only by the DRB1*1101 and DQB1*0301, as suggested in the literature, but also by other DRB1*11 and DQB1*03 alleles. Thus, we hypothesized that the common polymorphic residues shared by different DRB1*11 and ⁄ or DQB1*03 alleles might be responsible for selection of viral epitopes for presentation to CD4 + T cells, leading to an efficient immune response against the virus.

Research paper thumbnail of 81-P: Post-transplant anti-MICA antibodies and long-term kidney allograft survival

Human Immunology, 2009

Aim: We investigated the effects of intact and denatured (␤2m-free HC) HLA class I specific antib... more Aim: We investigated the effects of intact and denatured (␤2m-free HC) HLA class I specific antibodies on long-term graft survival.

Research paper thumbnail of 9-OR Association of high soluble CD30 serum levels with kidney subclinical acute rejection

Human Immunology, 2011

4 Brazil. Aim: Subclinical rejection (SCR) is not rare and negatively impacts kidney graft surviv... more 4 Brazil. Aim: Subclinical rejection (SCR) is not rare and negatively impacts kidney graft survival. Despite low risk of PBx nowadays, its implementation for all recipients (R) may be cost-prohibitive, and thus there is interest in finding blood markers associated with SCR. Considering reports of association of high soluble CD30 (sCD30) serum levels with acute rejection and worst graft survival, we aimed to evaluate sCD30 levels as markers of SCR in PBx performed 3 months after kidney transplantation (Tx).

Research paper thumbnail of 81-P Evaluation of TLR4 mRNA blood levels and TLR4 genotypes as tools to estimate risk of delayed graft function

Human Immunology, 2011

Aim: To explore the value of color doppler ultrasonography for renal pyramids in the monitoring o... more Aim: To explore the value of color doppler ultrasonography for renal pyramids in the monitoring of acute renal graft rejection at the early stage.

Research paper thumbnail of 66-P Antibodies as defined by the x-Map technology, antibody-mediated rejection and survival of the kidney allograft

Human Immunology, 2011

Aim: Accurate and meaningful interpretation of the results of Luminex-based antibody detection as... more Aim: Accurate and meaningful interpretation of the results of Luminex-based antibody detection assays requires careful monitoring of some serum factors that may interfere with the results. Here we report the effect of storage, DTT treatment and heating of sera on the strength of the reactions.